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World Affairs Council of Greater Houston presents Saudi America: The Realities of Fracking and How It's Changing the World

Bethany McLean
Photo courtesy of World Affairs Council of Greater Houston

The technology of fracking in shale rock has transformed America into the world’s top producer of both oil and natural gas. The U.S. is expected to be “energy independent” and a “net exporter” in less than a decade, a move that will upend global politics, destabilize Saudi Arabia and crush Russia’s chokehold over Europe. Or will it?

Renowned business journalist Bethany McLean was one of the first to question Enron and also co-wrote the acclaimed book The Smartest Guys in the Room. Her latest book digs deep into the cycles of boom and bust that have plagued the American oil industry for the past decade, from the financial wizardry and mysterious death of fracking pioneer Aubrey McClendon, to the investors who are questioning the very economics of shale itself.